Receptive Ecumenism in Neighborhoods, Soccer Fields, and Workplaces
This session will explore how to talk about differences in Catholic and Protestant worship. Every time we talk with a neighbor, teammate, or coworker from a different Christian tradition about what we do in worship and why, we are practicing liturgical theology.
Nurturing Children through Intergenerational Worship and Prayer
Congregations, pastors, and parents/caregivers have many opportunities to join together in worship and prayer practices that more intentionally engage children and help them come to know and love God and grow in faith together. Panelists will discuss ways to intentionally create intergenerational community in which people of all ages, including children, are welcomed as full participants whose participation enriches the community and gives praise to God.
Practical Worship Planning for Holy Week
Come and join a conversation with knowledgeable and experienced preachers and worship planners as we talk about our best practices for Holy Week worship planning. Bring your questions and ideas as we share and learn together.
Preaching and Peacemaking
What is the role of preaching in situations of deep conflict and division? How can preaching participate in the Christian call to peacemaking? This panel will explore the connections between gospel preaching and peacemaking efforts.
Music and Prayer in Worship
Music and prayer are prominent elements in worship liturgy. How does the culture of the worship community influence these worship practices? How should we engage culture and yet be countercultural in our practice of music and prayer? Engage with this panel from four continents as we explore how cultural values form and inform worship practices.
The Prophetic Call and First Messages
Mark Labberton will preach “The Prophetic Call and First Messages” based on Ezekiel 1–2. Other worship service participants include Alexis VanZalen, the Grand Rapids Christian High School band, Katie Ritsema Roelofs, Joel Littlepage, Kimberly Williams, Brian Hehn and Justin Fung.
God’s Glory Departs from Israel
Led in Korean and English by the Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church Choir, directed by Chan Gyu Jang; the Living Water Church Worship Team, directed by Yohan Lee; and members of the Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary Korean communities. Anne Zaki will preach on Ezekiel 10–11, “God’s Glory Departs from Israel.”
The Valley of Dry Bones
Preacher Brianna Parker will focus on the valley of dry bones described in Ezekiel 37 in this service of the word and table that is led by the Calvin University Gospel Choir and Nate Glasper with Ruth Naomi Floyd.
Celtic Psalms
As we seek a world of love and mercy, justice and peace, it's essential that we find resources of resilience to help us through the challenges we face. The psalms offer a timeless source of healing and hope. They remind us that God listens to our honest prayers, and they reconnect us with what brings us delight, solace, and joy. In this service of psalms set to soulful Celtic melodies, we will allow a healing space for expressing difficult emotions while also tapping into the hopeful future God envisions for all people. This service will be led by Kiran Young Wimberly, The McGraths, Mary Beth Mardis-LeCroy, and Brian Hehn.
Service of Lament with Rachel Wilhelm
A vesper service of lament led by Rachel Wilhelm.
Prophetic Words of Judgment
Rodrigo Cano will preach on Ezekiel 18–25. The music and liturgy will be led by the Calvin University Worship Apprentices, Paul Ryan, and Rachel Wilhelm.
International Worship Night
Join this student-led service of praise to God with a focus on Psalm 67, including songs reflecting the worshiping communities of the many places around the globe that Calvin University students represent.